Ronald Burch, a Republican, lost the first selectman’s race in Morris, 414-365.
Contributed Photo

MORRIS >> Barbara Bongiolatti has been re-elected as the first selectman in Morris. Bongiolatti, a Democrat, will serve her second term after defeating Ronald Burch, 414 to 365, on Tuesday, according to unofficial numbers reported by the town’s registrar of voters.

Burch, a Republican making his first run for office, moved to Morris from Wilton in 2005 after 25 years in the pharmaceutical industry.

In total, 786 residents came out to cast votes out of the 1,696 total registered voters in the town.

The win by Bongiolatti bucks a trend of Republican dominance of the top seat in Morris. In the 10 years prior to Bongiolatti’s election as an unaffiliated, cross-endorsed candidate in 2011, all four contested races were won by Republicans.

Bongiolatti has been active in town politics for 20 years. The 56-year Morris resident previously served on the Planning and Zoning Commission and the Region 6 Board of Education. Bongiolatti was an administrative secretary to the judges at Litchfield Superior Court for 36 years.

“I’m thrilled,” Bongiolatti said. “I’m so happy that [Vincent Aiello] is on board with me. I’m looking forward to another great two years, being fiscally responsible and getting projects done that are underway.”

Democrat Vincent Aiello, who received 372 votes, and incumbent Republican Phil Birkett, who received 391 votes, will join Bongiolatti on the board of selectmen. The loser of the first selectman’s race is eligible to become second or third selectman, but Burch was out-voted by both Birkett and Aiello.

Town Clerk Ann Carr, Treasurer Joseph Ferraro and Tax Collector Launa Goslee, all Republicans, ran uncontested. Democrat Scott Pottbecker and Republican Patricia Goslee were elected to full terms on the Board of Finance, and Theresa Martin, a Republican, won a two-year term. Edward Dorsett, a Republican, was elected as a Board of Finance Alternate for a full term and Jessica MacDonald as a four year term alternate.

On the Planning and Zoning Commission, Republican Robert McIntosh and Democrats Maryann Orzell and David Wiig ran uncontested, as did alternate Chris DuPont. Democrat Allen Bernardini ran unopposed for the Zoning Board of Appeals.

F. Giles Giovinazzi was elected as a ZBA alternate. Virginia Williamson, a Republican, ran unopposed for a four year Library Trustee term, as did Democrat Rosemarie Buckens for a two-year term.